The Ionospheric Impact of Artificial Space Object Reentry

Yi-Chung Chiua, Loren C. Chang, Jann-Yenq Liu

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	Ionospheric irregularities significantly affect the positioning accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), with formation mechanisms that vary by altitude and physical processes. Sporadic E (Es) layers, occurring at 90–130 km, form primarily through the ionization of metallic particles combined with neutral atmospheric wind shear. Traditionally, the primary source of metal particles is meteoric ablation. Recent rapid growth of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, anti-satellite (ASAT) tests, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) five-year deorbit rules have substantially increased artificial object reentries, introducing a novel anthropogenic source of metallic ions. This study combines global radio occultation signal scintillation index data from COSMIC/COSMIC-2, long-term ground-based observations, and historical reentry records. The goal is to assess whether human space activities correlate with E-region anomalies and to evaluate the potential impacts of largescale artificial object reentries on the ionospheric communication environment.
Published in:	Proceedings of the ION 2026 Pacific PNT Meeting April 13 - 16, 2026 Hilton Waikiki Beach Honolulu, Hawaii
Pages:	78 - 82
Cite this article:	Chiua, Yi-Chung, Chang, Loren C., Liu, Jann-Yenq, "The Ionospheric Impact of Artificial Space Object Reentry," Proceedings of the ION 2026 Pacific PNT Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 2026, pp. 78-82. https://doi.org/10.33012/2026.20596
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